complement 1 of 2

Definition of complementnext
1
as in supplement
something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other

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2
as in capacity
the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship

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complement

2 of 2

verb

as in to adorn
to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of complement
Noun
No More Red is a complement to the work undertaken by Arsenal in the Community, engaging and supporting young people in Islington. James McNicholas, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 Such a simple gesture can be the perfect complement to the most spectacular dress—and, incidentally, to the Cartier jewelry the actress was wearing. Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
Each singer is known for powerful vocal performances, and their voices complement one another with a graceful concord, highlighting the song’s message of a cowboy’s straightforward, restorative and effective prayers. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 12 Jan. 2026 To complement her vintage Jean Louis Scherre, Lopez went with allover bronze glam featuring glossy lips, an elegant updo, and matching nails. Lena Raab, Glamour, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for complement
Recent Examples of Synonyms for complement
Noun
  • Karpushin likes marmalade at the bottom of a glass with Greek yogurt on top, but notes his company's marmalades also make gorgeous salad dressings or simple syrup supplements for cocktails.
    Amy Sherman, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Most studies look at these supplements independently.
    Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Jeff Brady, executive director of communications for the district, said Tiger Team Two met at least once a month from September to December to discuss and evaluate school enrollment, the capacity and upkeep and condition of each campus, finances and boundaries for each school.
    Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
  • An inflation report on Tuesday is set to provide a key gauge of the nation’s economy, just days after reports of a Department of Justice probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell brought fresh scrutiny to the independence of the central bank and its capacity to manage price increases.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The beetle, named for six gold spots that adorn its back, doesn’t fly far.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Burgundy nails adorned with gold 3D roses?
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The company intends to move away from the low-volume manufacturing typical of the aviation industry.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Although Everglades restoration is now moving greater volumes of water south into fragile areas such as Everglades National Park, there are fresh concerns about the potential spread of phosphorus pollution.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The fabric’s four-way stretch is slightly cinched at the waist to enhance your curves, while the A-line silhouette is still relaxed enough for cozy winter outfits.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026
  • The best ski attire has the power to influence and enhance your performance.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Matt Brown is a real estate agent and broker associate at William Raveis Real Estate.
    Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Our real estate data comes from public records that have been registered and digitized by local county offices.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The 19-year-old, who had completed three semesters of college before the incident, appeared in court on Monday and was appointed a public defender, CNN reported.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
  • It is expected to be the third building completed in the downtown campus, at the site of the existing Texas A&M School of Law, after the first research and innovation building is complete.
    Samuel O'Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Dern strutted her stuff in a gown decorated with three-dimensional florals, as well as a pair of sleek sandals.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
  • In 1995, the Château de Wideville, built in 1580, was purchased and French interior designer Henri Samuel was tasked to decorate it.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 19 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Complement.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/complement. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

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